Year 9 students from Longbenton Community College are taking part in the annual mock trials competition in North shields magistrates court.

Students will be going against other schools debating about a made-up court case. The students have been given a scenario about a drunken man in the back of a taxi trying to attack the driver, and then he gets kicked out the car; he later commits assault and leaves without paying. In the case the students play different roles such as prosecution lawyers, defence lawyers and magistrates. Everyone has to dress in grey, black or blue suits and ties to look equal and smart.

Our students are in the regional round if the students win they go to a national competition in Manchester.

We interviewed Jack, age 14, who is playing a prosecution lawyer. Jack told us, “I’m having a lot of fun … it’s a good experience”.

We wish the students best of luck in the competition on Saturday.

By Ellena and Stephanie